L3BIO

Level 3 Biology

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: T. Gee, T. Pretorius, Ms P. van der Pol.

NCEA Level 3 Biology

NCEA Level 3 Biology is an advanced course designed for students passionate about understanding the complexities of the living world. This course is ideal for those considering further study in biological sciences, health sciences, environmental studies, or related fields at university level.

In Level 3 Biology, students will deepen their knowledge of key biological concepts, focusing on advanced topics such as evolution, genetics, ecology, and the intricate processes that sustain life. The course emphasizes analytical thinking, scientific inquiry, and real-world applications of biological principles, preparing students for both academic and professional pursuits in science.

Key topics covered in this course include:

Evolutionary Processes: Exploring the mechanisms that drive evolution, including natural selection, speciation, and genetic drift, and how these processes shape biodiversity.

Genetics and Biotechnology: Delving into the molecular basis of inheritance, gene expression, and modern biotechnological techniques that are revolutionizing medicine and agriculture.

Human Physiology: Understanding the structure and function of the human body, including the circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems, and how these systems work together to maintain homeostasis.

Ecological Relationships: Investigating complex interactions within ecosystems, the impact of human activities on the environment, and strategies for conservation and sustainability.

Assessment includes a mix of internal and external standards, with opportunities for students to conduct independent investigations and demonstrate their understanding through in-depth research projects and examinations. 

Success in Level 3 Biology is essential for students planning to pursue university studies in biology, medicine, environmental science, or related fields. This course provides the rigorous academic foundation needed to excel in tertiary education and beyond.

Students looking for a challenging and rewarding course that opens doors to a wide range of scientific careers will find Level 3 Biology an excellent choice.

For more information please see Mrs Gee

Career Pathways

Credit Information

You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.

This course is eligible for subject endorsement.

This course is approved for University Entrance.

Total Credits Available: 19 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 9 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 10 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91601 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.1 - Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance

Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines

4
4
4
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91603 v3
NZQA Info
Biology 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment

Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines

Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 5r,5w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91604 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of how an animal maintains a stable internal environment

Further assessment opportunities will not be offered for this standard in line with NZQA guidelines

Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91606 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91607 v2
NZQA Info
Biology 3.7 - Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications
3
3
3
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 3r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 19
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 15
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 19

Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.

Pathway Tags

Acupuncturist, Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor, Registered Nurse, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Paramedic, Anaesthetist, Anaesthetic Technician, Pathologist, Veterinary Nurse, Zoologist, Beekeeper, Chemist, Aquaculture Farmer, Zookeeper, Marine Biologist, Arborist, Medical Physicist, Meat/Seafood Process Worker, Audiologist/Audiometrist, Microbiologist, Beauty Therapist, Farmer/Farm Manager, Biochemist, Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Technician, Biotechnologist, Biosecurity Officer, Phlebotomist, Brewer, Mechanical Engineer, Fishing Skipper, Clinical Physiologist, Physician, Surgeon, Midwife, Dental Assistant, Science Technician, Podiatrist, Chiropractor, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Coder, Dental Technician, Community Karitāne, Pharmacist, Crop Farmer/Manager, Oral Health Therapist, Dentist, Medical Imaging Technologist, Diagnostic Radiologist, Dietitian, Dispensing Optician, Forensic Scientist, General Practitioner, Gynaecologist/Obstetrician, Psychiatrist, Dog Trainer, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental/Public Health Officer, Ranger, Food Technologist, Professional Sportsperson, Forest Manager, Forestry Scientist, Pest Control Technician, Landscaper, Gardener, Agricultural/Horticultural Field Representative, Health and Safety Adviser, Health Promoter, Health Care Assistant, Naturopath, Veterinarian, Massage Therapist, Ship's Master, Medical Laboratory Technician, Radiation Therapist, Nursery Grower/Worker, Occupational Therapist, Optometrist, Osteopath, Physiotherapist, Quarantine Officer, Radiation Oncologist, Speech-Language Therapist, Sterilising Technician, Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator, Pet Groomer, Orchard Farmer/Manager, Support Worker, Ophthalmologist, Viticulturist, Epidemiologist,